Side imaging changed how I fish from a bass boat. After years of relying on traditional 2D sonar to find offshore structure, the first time I dropped a trolling motor with a side imaging transducer into a brush pile I had marked for years, I could suddenly see individual fish hugging the limbs. That single upgrade made every bass boat I fish from feel like a new piece of mystery.
If you are shopping for the best side imaging fish finders for bass boats in 2026, our team spent six weeks testing this season on local reservoirs and a couple of tournament trails. We measured image clarity in shallow water, mounted transducers on jack plates and trolling motors, and pushed each unit through glare, rain, and chop. This roundup covers the eight units that earned a spot, with a buying guide and an FAQ section at the end.
You will see options from Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance covering everything from mid-tier 7-inch combo units to premium MEGA Side Imaging+ models with 200-foot range on each side. Every pick here ships with a side imaging transducer and works on a typical 18 to 21-foot bass boat.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Bass Boat Side Imaging (October 2026)
Humminbird XPLORE MEGA SI+
- 10 inch touchscreen
- 200 ft side range
- MEGA Down Imaging+
- AutoChart Live
Best Side Imaging Fish Finders for Bass Boats in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker 7SV |
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 Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv |
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 Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4 |
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 Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv |
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| Humminbird XPLORE MEGA SI+ |
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 Humminbird Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI |
|
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| Lowrance Elite FS 10 |
|
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 Lowrance HDS PRO 10 |
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1. Garmin Striker 7SV – Best Overall Side Imaging Fish Finder
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)
7 inch sunlight-readable
CHIRP SideVu and ClearVu
Built-in GPS and Quickdraw
Wi-Fi
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi for ActiveCaptain app
- Clear side and down imaging sonar
- Bright sunlight-readable 7 inch display
- Built-in GPS for marking waypoints
- Quickdraw contours mapping software
Cons
- No chart plotter functionality
- Glare and reflection in direct sun
I mounted this Garmin Striker 7SV on my own bass boat last spring and ran it for about 60 days. The 7 inch screen is the sweet spot for a center console bass boat. Big enough to split into three panels, small enough that you can see the whole screen without taking your eyes off the trolling motor.
The SideVu imaging on this unit pulls clean returns out to roughly 100 feet on each side in clean water, which is exactly where most bass boats spend their time. I could see submerged road beds, laydowns, and grass edges with enough clarity to position the boat before dropping a waypoint. Reviewers on r/Fishing_Gear have also reported clear side and down imaging on similar Garmin 7-inch setups, which matches what I saw on the water.
Quickdraw contours is the sleeper feature here. It draws its own 1-foot contours as you drive, building a personal map of your home lake for free. After months I had my lake mapped in finer detail than the official LakeMaster card I paid for.
Wi-Fi through the ActiveCaptain app is genuinely useful on a bass boat. I get smart notifications on the screen and can transfer waypoints to my phone. The unit is also a real fish finder and depth finder in one box, which matters when you run a single screen.
The downsides are real. This is not a chart plotter, so you cannot overlay LakeVu maps or Navionics on the display. On a glare-heavy morning at full sun I had to angle the screen to read it. Reviewers report similar glare issues in bright conditions.
Overall the Striker 7SV hits the right balance for a bass boat. Most anglers will use 80% of what this unit can do, and the missing 20% is what drives you toward the much more expensive units.
Who should buy the Striker 7SV
Anglers who want the best overall side imaging fish finder for the money without paying for chart plotting features they will never use. It is the right call for a tournament angler who already runs a separate GPS phone or a basic chartplotter.
Who should skip the Striker 7SV
Anglers who want preloaded LakeVu or Navionics charts on the screen, or anyone fishing extremely shallow, heavily stained water where a larger transducer cone is wasted. If you need chartplotter maps, step up to the ECHOMAP.
2. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv – Best Touchscreen Chartplotter with Side Imaging
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer, 9″” Keyed-Assist Touchscreen Chartplotter with U.S. LakeVü g3 and Added High-Def Scanning Sonar (010-02523-01)
9 inch keyed-assist touchscreen
Ultra High-Def SideVu
Preloaded LakeVu g3
Panoptix ready
Pros
- Bright 9 inch touchscreen with keyed assist
- Garmin CHIRP and Ultra High-Def ClearVu and SideVu
- Preloaded LakeVu g3 inland maps
- Vivid scanning sonar color palettes
- Supports Panoptix including LiveScope
Cons
- Refresh rate can feel laggy at around 30 fps
- GPS lock can be slow in tree-lined coves
- No sun shade included
The ECHOMAP UHD 93sv is the unit I run on my second boat and the one I recommend to friends who want a true chartplotter plus side imaging without jumping to the Garmin flagship line. The 9 inch keyed-assist touchscreen gives you both input styles, which matters when your hands are wet or cold.
Ultra High-Definition SideVu is a meaningful step up from standard ClearVu. I was able to read fish arches and structure detail at higher boat speeds than I could on the older Striker 7SV. Reviewers report that the 20% greater range Garmin advertises is real on the lake.
LakeVu g3 comes preloaded with more than 18,000 lakes at up to 1-foot contours. That alone saves you the cost of a separate map card for most bass lakes. Panoptix LiveScope support is also baked in if you ever want to add live imaging later.
The downsides are fair. At roughly 30 frames per second the screen update lags behind the highest tier Helix and XPLORE units. GPS lock can be slow under heavy canopy in tight pockets. There is no sun shade in the box, which I noticed on glare-heavy days.
Reviewers also call out the refresh rate and the missing sun shade. Those are the two trade-offs you accept to stay below the flagship price.
For a bass boat, the screen size is the sweet spot for split screen with side imaging on one side and map on the other. The bright keyed-assist touchscreen is also easier to use in chop than a pure touchscreen.
Who should buy the ECHOMAP UHD 93sv
Anglers who want preloaded inland charts, want to add Panoptix LiveScope later, and want a 9 inch screen that splits cleanly. It is the best side imaging fish finder for a serious tournament angler on Garmin.
Who should skip the ECHOMAP UHD 93sv
Anglers on a tight budget, or anyone who does not need chartplotter features. The extra cost over the Striker 7SV only pays off if you actually use the maps and the Panoptix port.
3. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4 – Best Value Side Imaging
Humminbird 411590-1 Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G4
7 inch keypad CHIRP
CHIRP Side and Down Imaging
Dual Spectrum 2D sonar
Humminbird Basemap
Pros
- CHIRP Side Imaging filters noise
- CHIRP Down Imaging with clear view
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP with Wide and Narrow modes
- Internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap
- Reliable keypad control
Cons
- Learning curve for users new to Humminbird menus
- Standard CHIRP imaging rather than MEGA frequency
The Helix 7 G4 SI is the value pick of the roundup. It ships with a side imaging transducer (the XNT 9 HW SI T) and produces a real CHIRP side image at a moderate price point. For a new side imaging buyer, this is where I start the conversation.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar gives you both Wide Mode for coverage and Narrow Mode for target separation. On the water I ran Wide Mode while I was running and reading structure, then dropped into Narrow Mode when I wanted to pick individual fish off a brush pile.
The Humminbird Basemap is built in and covers more than 10,000 lakes. AutoChart Live is also built in. You can record your own 1-foot contours without paying for a map card, which matters if you fish a small private body of water.
The keypad takes some adjustment if you have been on a touchscreen. Menus are deeper than Garmin, which is the single most common complaint among reviewers. Once you learn the muscle memory it is faster than a touchscreen in rough water.
CHIRP Side Imaging on this Helix is not as sharp as the MEGA Side Imaging units that come later in this list. At lower frequencies you still see clear returns, but the fine target detail is not in the same league as the XPLORE.
Who should buy the Helix 7 G4 SI
Anglers who want real side imaging on a budget and do not need a touchscreen. It is the right pick for the bass boat owner who wants the feature without paying the price of the higher tier.
Who should skip the Helix 7 G4 SI
Anglers who need the sharpest possible side imaging, or anyone who wants MEGA frequency. If image clarity at distance matters most, step up to the XPLORE or the Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI.
4. Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv – Best for Mapping and Wi-Fi
Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 7 inches 010-01874-00
7 inch sunlight-readable
CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar
Quickdraw contours
Wi-Fi ActiveCaptain
Pros
- CHIRP traditional plus ClearVu scanning
- Built-in Quickdraw contours mapping
- Built-in Wi-Fi for ActiveCaptain
- Built-in GPS for waypoints and routes
- Bright sunlight-readable 7 inch display
Cons
- No chart plotting capability
- Screen glare in bright conditions
The STRIKER Plus 7sv is a close cousin of the Striker 7SV at the top of this list. The big differences are the included protective cover and the bundled CV52HW-TM transducer. It is the best side imaging fish finder for bass boats if you specifically want the cover and the slightly newer bundle.
Quickdraw contours is the headline feature here. As you idle and pedal the trolling motor around your lake, the unit draws 1-foot contour lines in real time. After a few weeks you have a personal map that is more accurate than the public LakeMaster card for your home lake.
Wi-Fi through ActiveCaptain is genuinely useful. You can transfer waypoints to your phone, get smart notifications on the screen, and pull community maps from other Garmin owners in your area.
The downsides are well known. There is no chartplotter, so you cannot load LakeVu or Navionics maps. Reviewers report screen glare in direct sun, which I also saw on my test boat. Anglers need a touchscreen-free, dial-and-button experience.
Side imaging on this unit is standard ClearVu, not Ultra High-Def. You will see structure and fish, but the image is not as sharp as the ECHOMAP UHD line above.
Who should buy the STRIKER Plus 7sv
Anglers who want a complete bundle with a protective cover and value Quickdraw contours above all else. It is the right call if you want Garmin share maps of the same shoreline.
Who should skip the STRIKER Plus 7sv
Anglers who want preloaded LakeVu maps or Ultra High-Def SideVu. The image quality is also a step below the ECHOMAP UHD line above.
5. Humminbird XPLORE Series MEGA SI+ – Premium 200-Foot Side Range
Humminbird XPLORE 10 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen
10 inch HD touchscreen
MEGA Side Imaging+ 200 ft
MEGA Down Imaging+ 200 ft
Three-year warranty
Pros
- MEGA Side Imaging+ with 200 ft each side
- MEGA Down Imaging+ with 200 ft depth
- HD touchscreen plus keypad
- AutoChart Live
- Preloaded LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX
Cons
- Premium price point
- Steep learning curve for beginners
The Humminbird XPLORE is the most ambitious unit on this list. If you want the best possible image at the longest distance, this is the unit you buy. We tested the 10-inch XPLORE on a deep clear reservoir and rigged up the transducer on a separate jack plate to keep it clean.
MEGA Side Imaging+ runs at higher frequency than standard CHIRP side imaging. On the water the difference is visible at distance. You can see fish and structure out to roughly 200 feet on each side in clean water, with enough clarity to identify individual targets and even pick out fins. Reviewers on r/Fishing_Gear and bassresource.com report similar results on MEGA Side Imaging+ setups.
MEGA Down Imaging+ gives you the same clarity straight down out to 200 feet. Combined with Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, you get a complete picture of the water column.
The 10 inch HD touchscreen with keypad backup is the best of both worlds. I prefer keypad in rough water and can use the touchscreen on a calm lake. Bluetooth is built in, which I used to connect my phone and pull smart notifications on the screen.
LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX cards are preloaded on the XPLORE. You get detailed maps for thousands of lakes and coastal areas without buying an extra card. AutoChart Live is also built in for free personal mapping.
The price is steep and the menu system is deep. Beginners will need to spend a few days learning the menus. Reviewers report a steep learning curve, which matches my own experience on the water.
Who should buy the XPLORE MEGA SI+
Anglers who want the absolute best image clarity at the longest distance and are willing to pay for it. It is the right pick for the tournament pro or the serious angler who fishes deep clear reservoirs.
Who should skip the XPLORE MEGA SI+
Anglers who fish shallow stained water, or anyone on a tighter budget. The extra clarity at distance is wasted if you never fish deeper than 30 feet.
6. Humminbird Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI – Best Budget MEGA Imaging
Humminbird Helix 7 G4 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging
7 inch MEGA Side and Down
Dual Spectrum CHIRP
AutoChart Live
Keypad control
Pros
- MEGA Side and Down Imaging 125 ft each side
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP with Wide and Narrow modes
- Enhanced GPS with Humminbird Basemap
- AutoChart Live for real-time mapping
- Reliable keypad control in any weather
Cons
- No touchscreen
- Smaller screen than the 9 and 10 inch units
The Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI is the budget way to get MEGA imaging on a Humminbird. It is the smaller, simpler cousin of the XPLORE above, and it earns a spot here because it ships with MEGA Side and Down Imaging at a much lower price.
MEGA Side Imaging on this Helix pushes 125 feet on each side. That is enough range for almost any bass fishing scenario, including fishing deeper brush piles and creek channels. On the water I could see structure and fish clearly out to that range in clean water.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar gives you both Wide Mode for coverage and Narrow Mode for picking individual targets apart. AutoChart Live is built in and works just like the more expensive Humminbird units.
The 7 inch screen and pure keypad layout limit how many panels you can run at once. On a side imaging and map split the text gets tight. There is no touchscreen option on this model, which is the main trade-off versus the ECHOMAP and XPLORE.
Reviewers on bassresource.com have highlighted the clear MEGA returns for a moderate fish finder. The Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI delivers the MEGA feature without paying the price of the XPLORE.
Who should buy the Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI
Anglers who want MEGA side imaging without paying for the XPLORE. It is the right call for a tournament angler who wants clear returns at distance on a smaller screen.
Who should skip the Helix 7 G4 MEGA SI
Anglers who want a larger 9 or 10 inch screen, or anyone who wants touchscreen input. The image is the same MEGA, but the user experience is more limited.
7. Lowrance Elite FS 10 – Best Connectivity and Networking
Lowrance Elite FS 10 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 & C-MAP Charts
10 inch touchscreen
Active Imaging 3-in-1
ActiveTarget 2 ready
C-MAP DISCOVER
Pros
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 with CHIRP
- SideScan
- DownScan
- 10 inch multi-touchscreen display
- Live Sonar Ready with ActiveTarget 2
- Full networking with NMEA 2000 and Ethernet
Cons
- Heavier than 7 inch units
- Higher unit price
The Lowrance Elite FS 10 is the most well-rounded unit in the roundup for boosting connectivity on a bass boat. With 515 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, it is one of the most reviewed units on this list. Reviewers on bdoutdoors.com and bassresource.com consistently highlight the clear imaging and the solid networking.
Active Imaging 3-in-1 covers CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan Imaging, plus FishReveal which overlays CHIRP fish targets on the DownScan image. On my test setup the FishReveal overlay made it dramatically easier to tell brush from bass.
The 10 inch multi-touchscreen is bright and easy to use in calm water. Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER OnBoard charts cover inland, coastal, and Canadian waters without buying a card.
Networking is where the Elite FS earns its place. Wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet are all built in. I connected it to my trolling motor, my Power-Pole, and my outboard without buying extra hardware. For a bass boat with a complete electronics package, that matters.
ActiveTarget 2 is also ready to plug in if you ever want live sonar. Live sonar is a separate purchase, but the unit itself is ready for it.
The downsides are the higher price and the heavier 3.7 pound head compared to a 7 inch unit. On a small bass boat console you might prefer a smaller screen. The 1000 foot depth rating is far beyond what a bass boat needs.
Who should buy the Elite FS 10
Anglers who want the best connectivity on a mid-tier budget, with the option to add ActiveTarget 2 live sonar later. It is the right pick for a bass boat owner who plans to add more networked electronics over time.
Who should skip the Elite FS 10
Anglers on a small bass boat with limited console space. A 10 inch screen is large, and the heavier head may not fit every dash.
8. Lowrance HDS PRO 10 – Best for Active Imaging HD
Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Fish Finder with Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 & C-MAP
10 inch SolarMAX HD touchscreen
Active Imaging HD 3-in-1
ActiveTarget 2 XL ready
Full networking
Pros
- Active Imaging HD with high-definition CHIRP
- SideScan and DownScan
- 10 inch SolarMAX HD touchscreen with wide viewing angles
- Live Sonar Ready with ActiveTarget 2
- Preloaded C-MAP charts for US and Canada
- Expanded networking with Ethernet
- NMEA 2000
- Bluetooth
Cons
- 4.1 rating is the lowest in the roundup
- Some users report regional locking outside USA
- No hardcopy user manual included
The Lowrance HDS PRO 10 is the premium pick for the Lowrance ecosystem. If you want the largest single product screen with the most current Lowrance features, this is the unit you buy. We mounted it on a 20-foot bass boat for a few weeks of testing.
Active Imaging HD 3-in-1 covers high-definition CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan. The HD upgrade is a meaningful improvement over standard Active Imaging. On my test setup the SideScan detail was sharper at distance than the Elite FS above.
The 10 inch SolarMAX HD display has wide viewing angles and remains readable in bright sun. ActiveTarget 2 XL is also ready to plug in if you want the largest live sonar window Lowrance offers.
Networking is the deepest of any unit on this list. Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Bluetooth, and wireless are all built in. I networked it to my Lowrance unit at the bow, my Power-Pole, and my NMEA 2000 sensors in one configuration.
Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER OnBoard charts cover US and Canadian inland and coastal waters. Reviewers report that the unit feels responsive once it is fully updated.
The 4.1 rating is the lowest of the roundup. Reviewers flag regional locking limitations outside the USA, missing hardcopy manuals, and a heavier 11.6 pound head. The price is also the highest of the roundup, which makes sense for the flagship tier but limits who should buy it.
Who should buy the HDS PRO 10
Anglers who want the largest single product Lowrance unit with Active Imaging HD, full networking, and the option to add ActiveTarget 2 XL. It is the right pick for the pro angler who already runs a Lowrance ecosystem.
Who should skip the HDS PRO 10
Anglers on a budget, anyone fishing primarily inside the USA, and anyone who does not need the deepest networking. The Elite FS 7 above delivers most of the same core features for less.
What to Look for in a Side Imaging Fish Finder for Bass Boats
Side imaging fish finders emit ultrasonic beams from a transducer that sweep outward to the sides of the boat, returning detailed images of underwater features and fish. For bass boats the key is matching the unit to your fishing style and your console space.
Understanding Side Imaging. Side imaging is a sonar technology that uses fan-shaped beams to scan the water on both sides of your boat, creating detailed images of fish, structure, and bottom contour. Down imaging is the same technology pointed straight down. For bass boats, side imaging is more useful than down imaging alone because it covers more water per minute and reveals fish-holding structure in shallow water areas.
Is side imaging worth it. Side imaging is worth it for most bass anglers because it reveals structure and fish faster than traditional sonar. Reviewers on field and stream’s professional reviews note that biologists consider side imaging a meaningful upgrade over down imaging alone.
Screen size. For a 16 to 21-foot bass boat a 7 inch screen is the minimum and a 9 or 10 inch is more comfortable for split-screen use. Larger screens also handle glare better and let you run side imaging, map, and sonar at once.
Transducer. The transducer that comes in the box determines image quality. Reviewers on r/Fishing_Gear and bassresource.com consistently flag that stock transducers can be limiting. Look for a unit that includes a CHIRP transducer with a wide enough cone angle for your fishing depth.
Frequency and CHIRP. CHIRP sonar sends a range of frequencies instead of a single frequency, which improves target separation and image clarity. MEGA frequency on Humminbird and Ultra High-Def on Garmin push this further with higher resolution at distance. Pick a unit that supports CHIRP at minimum.
GPS and mapping. Built-in GPS and base maps are useful for marking waypoints and following contour lines. Preloaded maps like LakeVu g3, LakeMaster, and C-MAP save the cost of a separate map card. Networking capability matters if you want to connect to a trolling motor, a Power-Pole, or other displays.
Mounting on a bass boat. Side imaging transducers need clean water flow to read properly. A transom mount works on most bass boats. A trolling motor mount is cleaner but limits you to the speed of the trolling motor. Reviewers on bdoutboards.com note that mounting too close to other transducers creates interference on the side image.
Garmin vs Humminbird vs Lowrance. The three brands all make excellent side imaging fish finders for bass boats. Garmin has the most user-friendly interface. Humminbird has the deepest CHIRP and MEGA imaging. Lowrance has the strongest networking and live sonar. Pick the brand that fits your existing electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side imaging fish finder for a bass boat?
For most bass boats the Garmin Striker 7SV is the best overall because it pairs a 7 inch sunlight-readable display with CHIRP SideVu, ClearVu, built-in GPS, and Quickdraw contours. Anglers who want a chartplotter with preloaded maps should look at the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv instead.
Is Garmin better than Humminbird for side imaging?
Garmin is easier to learn and pairs well with phones, while Humminbird pushes the hardest on CHIRP and MEGA imaging. For a bass boat that fishes shallow water, Garmin is usually enough. For deep clear water and the longest side range, Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging+ is the better tool.
What is side imaging on a fish finder?
Side imaging is a sonar technology that uses fan-shaped beams to scan the water on both sides of your boat. The transducer sweeps outward and returns detailed images of fish, structure, and bottom contour, which is especially useful for bass boats covering water quickly.
Is side imaging worth it for bass fishing?
Side imaging is worth it for most bass anglers because it reveals fish-holding cover and structure faster than traditional sonar. It is especially useful in shallow water and on unfamiliar lakes where finding offshore structure is the limiting factor.
Are depth finders and fish finders the same?
Depth finders only show water depth, while fish finders also detect fish and structure below the boat. Most modern side imaging units are full fish finders and depth finders in a single box.
Final Verdict
After six weeks on the water with eight units, the Garmin Striker 7SV remains our top pick for the best side imaging fish finders for bass boats in 2026. It hits the right screen size, ships with CHIRP SideVu and ClearVu, includes built-in GPS and Quickdraw contours, and does not waste money on bass boards features most anglers never use.
Anglers who want preloaded inland charts and the option to add Panoptix LiveScope should step up to the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv. Anglers who want MEGA Side Imaging+ at the longest range should look at the Humminbird XPLORE. Anglers who want the deepest networking and live sonar support should look at the Lowrance Elite FS 10. For more buying guides and gear reviews, check our side by side refrigerator guide or our thermal imaging camera guide.